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It’s time to turn the push-up on its head — literally. “This Pilates pike push-up helps strengthen the upper body and core while stretching the spine and lengthening the backs of your legs,” says Liz Hilliard, creator and co-owner of Hilliard Studio Method in Charlotte, North Carolina (hilliardstudiomethod.com).
How-To
Get into plank position with your head, hips and heels in line. Lift your hips toward the sky and walk your hands toward your feet.
When your torso is nearly vertical, place your hands wider than your shoulders and come up onto your toes, shifting your weight more into your hands, and focus on your toes to keep your head neutral. From here, bend your elbows and slowly lower your head toward the floor, as far as you can, then press back up to the start.
Do three sets of eight to 10 reps.